THE Scarlets have vowed to take action if Connacht attempt to intimidate them at the line-out when they clash in Athlone tonight.

THE Scarlets have vowed to take action if Connacht attempt to intimidate them at the line-out when they clash in Athlone tonight.

The West and North Wales regional outfit blamed their shock 14-12 exit from the Celtic Cup at home to the Irish province a fortnight ago on being soft at that facet.

And they have pledged not to be so nice if Connacht "try it on" at Dubarry Park in the Celtic League.

"Our line-out did not function against them at Stradey Park," said Scarlets' veteran Wales prop John Davies.

"That was one of the main reasons we lost."

Forwards' coach Paul Moriarty chipped in, "At times we were a little naive and very gentlemanly.

"They took our line-out away by being negative and not doing things legally," he claimed, before adding, "That made us decide to become more street-wise. If there is a problem we will sort it out."

The Scarlets are third in the table, two places ahead of Connacht, who have made two changes from the side beaten at Leinster last weekend - Mike Walls returning at scrum-half and Paul Neville at blindside.

Manager John Fallon hailed Connacht's win over the Scarlets their greatest and they are desperate to record another.

"They are a very workmanlike side who battled for every ball and every slice of possession. It is testament to them that they came to Stradey and got a result," said Davies.

Moriarty wants the Scarlets to show the same resolve as when they recorded a historic 19-12 victory over Munster in Limerick last month.

Captain Leigh Davies misses the trip with ankle trouble - he has been suffering from knee problems for most of the season. And they suffered a blow last night when veteran former Wales back-rower Emyr Lewis was a late withdrawal.